§ 33. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that the study and teaching of geography and the supply of qualified geography teachers is not further adversely affected through the loss in status and popularity of geography among higher leaving certificate candidates because of the Scottish Universities Entrance 195 Board's refusal to recognise a higher geography pass as a higher ranking pass for entry group purposes.
§ Mr. MaclayThere is no evidence that geography has suffered any loss in status and popularity in the schools as a result of the regulations for university entrance, which came into force in 1955.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is impossible to decide whether these subjects have lost popularity or not, in view of the fact that they are compulsory subjects? At the same time, is he aware that teachers throughout Scotland are complaining that because of the practical consideration in a child's mind that the higher geography or higher history pass will not count as higher equivalence for the purpose of university entrance, this is bringing the two subjects into contempt, and that well-intentioned teachers are warning children in the later classes not to concentrate too much on those subjects of history or geography because they will not get credit for them at the higher level?
§ Mr. MaclayThe figures do not bear out what the hon. Gentleman says. They show that the number of candidates presented for geography in the higher and lower grades examinations together was 4,619 in 1958 and 3,750 in 1955. The figures are up.
§ Mr. MacMillanIn view of the complete misunderstanding of the Question by the right hon. Gentleman, I must give notice that I will raise this matter as soon as I can.